Safety Center

Your safety is our priority. Learn how to protect yourself while meeting new people and building meaningful connections.

Meeting Safely

Before You Meet

  • Get to know them first: Have multiple conversations through the platform before meeting in person. Video chat to verify their identity.
  • Tell someone: Share your plans with a friend or family member. Let them know where you're going, who you're meeting, and when you'll check in.
  • Choose public places: Always meet in busy, public locations for the first several dates. Avoid private homes or secluded areas.
  • Arrange your own transportation: Drive yourself or use a rideshare service. Don't accept rides from your date initially.
  • Keep your phone charged: Ensure your phone has a full battery and keep it accessible throughout the date.

During the Date

  • Stay in public: Keep the date in the public venue you agreed upon. Don't move to a second location on the first date.
  • Watch your drink: Never leave your drink unattended. Order your own drinks directly from the server.
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. You can leave at any time—no explanation needed.
  • Check in: Send a quick text to your friend or family member to let them know you're safe.
  • Limit alcohol: Stay alert and in control. Pace yourself and know your limits.

Group Activities Are Safer

Consider joining group activities for your first few meetings. Hiking clubs, wine tasting events, or book clubs provide natural opportunities to get to know someone in a safe, social environment. The Older Berry is designed around shared activities—use that to your advantage!

Identifying Red Flags

Warning Signs of Romance Scams

Romance scams cost victims over $1.14 billion in 2023. Scammers target dating platforms to exploit emotions and steal money. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Moves too fast: Professes love or deep feelings within days or weeks. Pushes for immediate commitment or exclusivity.
  • Avoids meeting in person: Makes repeated excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetings. Claims to be traveling, working overseas, or in the military.
  • Asks for money: Requests financial help for emergencies, medical bills, travel expenses, or business opportunities. This is the biggest red flag.
  • Inconsistent stories: Details about their life don't add up or change over time. Photos look professional or stolen from elsewhere.
  • Wants to move off-platform: Immediately asks to communicate via email, text, or other apps to avoid platform monitoring.
  • Poor grammar and spelling: Messages contain unusual phrasing, grammar errors, or seem copied from templates.

Other Concerning Behaviors

  • Controlling behavior: Tries to isolate you from friends and family. Gets jealous or possessive quickly.
  • Disrespects boundaries: Pressures you for personal information, photos, or meetings before you're ready.
  • Refuses verification: Won't complete photo verification or provide basic information about themselves.
  • Inappropriate content: Sends unsolicited explicit messages or photos. Requests intimate photos or videos.

🚨 Never Send Money to Someone You Haven't Met

No matter how compelling the story, never send money, gift cards, or financial information to someone you've only met online. Legitimate romantic interests will never ask for money. If someone asks for financial help, report them immediately.

Online Safety Best Practices

Protect Your Personal Information

  • • Don't share your full name, address, or workplace initially
  • • Use the platform's messaging system instead of personal email/phone
  • • Avoid sharing financial information or account details
  • • Be cautious about sharing social media profiles

Use Strong Security

  • • Create a unique, strong password for your account
  • • Enable two-factor authentication if available
  • • Log out from shared or public devices
  • • Keep your device and apps updated

Research Your Matches

  • • Do a reverse image search on their photos
  • • Search their name online to verify their identity
  • • Ask questions that require specific, detailed answers
  • • Trust verified profiles over unverified ones

Report Suspicious Activity

  • • Use the report feature for suspicious profiles or messages
  • • Block users who make you uncomfortable
  • • Contact support if you suspect a scam
  • • Help protect the community by reporting issues

The Importance of Verification

The Older Berry offers multiple verification options to help you feel confident about who you're connecting with:

  • Photo Verification: Selfie verification ensures profile photos match the real person
  • Email Verification: Confirms a valid email address (required for all users)
  • Phone Verification: Optional phone number verification adds extra trust
  • Social Media: Optional linking to social profiles provides additional authenticity

Look for verified badges on profiles and prioritize connecting with verified users. Complete your own verification to build trust with potential matches.

Emergency Resources

Emergency Services

  • Emergency: 911
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Report Fraud

Your Safety is Our Priority

We're committed to creating a safe, respectful community for women seeking genuine connections. If you ever feel unsafe or encounter suspicious behavior, please report it immediately.